Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur presided over a programme on theme Contribution of Tribal Heroes in the Freedom Struggle organized by the Institute of Tribal Studies, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, New Delhi and All India Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Himachal Pradesh University campus today. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the brave heroes who belonged to the tribal areas have contributed significantly in the freedom struggle. Freedom fighter Tilka Majhi organized the Paharia tribe against the atrocities of the British East India Company and attacked the Company Fund, for which he was sentenced to death. The great freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda agitated to end the British Rule. Similarly, many tribal heroes including Thalakal Chanthu, Nilambar, Radho ji Bhangre took part in the freedom struggle, for which they were tortured. Many freedom fighters were sent to jail and some were hanged to death.
He said that many heroes like Munshi Saje Ram, Thakur Devi Singh, Thakur Shiv Chand of Lahaul Spiti district and Jangi Ram and Bhag Saran of Kinnaur district played an important role in the freedom movement. Jai Ram Thakur said that during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we got an opportunity to know the stories of many freedom fighters who were unsung heroes till now. He said that it is very important for the youth to know about the history of our country and freedom fighters. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a golden opportunity to remember the contribution of those great freedom fighters who dedicated their lives for the pride and glory of the country, he added. Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed to the all round development of the State. Balanced development of every region and section of society was being ensured by the Government, he added. He said that under the Tribal Sub Plan, a provision of Rs. 3619 crore was made for the tribal areas from the year 2018-19 to 2022-23. During this period, a budget provision of more than Rs.1000 crore was also made for the transport sector, construction of roads, bridges and buildings under the Tribal Sub Plan.
Jai Ram Thakur said that connectivity has been strengthened in the tribal areas of the State during the last four and a half years and land was being provided to the tribal people for cultivation under the FRA. Chief Minister said that there were four Eklavya Model Residential Schools in the State under the Tribal Sub Plan. He said that the State Government was paying special attention to the needs of the tribal areas. The Chief Minister announced Rs. 2 crore for alumni building at HPU. Earlier, the Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition based on the theme contribution of Tribal Heroes in the Freedom Struggle and evinced keen interest in it. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored freedom fighter Dayanand Negi. The keynote speaker of the program Sharad Chavan said that the tribal heroes fought relentlessly in the freedom struggle of India. These heroes also made important contributions for the protection of water, forest and land. The history of tribal heroes has been all-encompassing and all-embracing.
He said that the youth should be made aware about the life values of these heroes. Member, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Milind Thatte gave detailed information about the functions and activities of the Commission. Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University Professor Sat Prakash Bansal welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Jyoti Prakash and Professor Chandra Mohan also expressed their views on this occasion. Coordinator of the program Dr. Rakesh Negi presented a vote of thanks. Vice President of Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Surat Singh Negi, Director General Industries Corporation Neeraj Sharma, Superintendent of Police Dr Monika, Director of Information and Public Relations Department Harbans Singh Brascon, Dean Studies Professor Kulbhushan Chandel, University Grants Commission member Professor Nagesh Thakur, President of Buddhist Studies Center Professor Rajesh Sharma, Professor of the University Dr. Aparna Negi, Professor Sanjay Sharma, Controller of Examinations Dr. Joginder Singh Negi, Professors of the University, students and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
